
26.2 Miles | 6:00 AM Start

Held annually over President's Day weekend near Gold Canyon and Apache Junction, Arizona, this event features a scenic, rolling, point-to-point course certified by USA Track & Field (AZ23001JOE) and eligible as a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. Registration is limited (just 400 marathon spots for 2026), with a start time of 7:00 a.m.
The minimum age is 14, and all entrants must finish within 6¼ hours. All marathon runners are transported by bus from the Rodeo Grounds to the start — no private vehicle drop-offs are allowed. Aid stations are placed every 2 miles for the first 20 miles, then every mile to the finish. Among the supplies: Lemon-Lime Gatorade (from mile 4 onward at alternating stations), GU Energy Gel (at miles 10 and 18), bananas at two stations, and port-a-johns at each station. Registration includes chip timing via ChronoTrack, and athletes receive a commemorative medal at the finish.
This is a well-supported small-race experience with strong volunteer involvement and beautiful desert surroundings, offering both serious competitors and fun runners a memorable day.
